48 hour update on DC-CNC

Two days in, at 00:01 on Sunday April 28, we’re up to 7472 observations, 1060 species, 452 observers and 202 identifiers for the Washington DC metro area. For the moment, mayapple has overtaken garlic mustard as the most observed species. (Is anyone reading this rooting for garlic mustard?) Bluebells have knocked poison ivy out of the top ten. In the Edible category, we have 28 observations of the horribly invasive but tasty wineberry, 12 black raspberry, 7 black walnut, 6 blackberry and 2 serviceberry. Fragrant finds include 12 northern spicebush, 10 sassafras, 8 European lily of the valley, 8 lilac, 4 wild bergamot and 4 showy orchis. The bald eagle count is up to 12 today.

Let’s pause for a moment and see how other cities are doing. The San Francisco Bay area is way out in front with 18502 observations, 1928 species, and 875 observers. DC is currently 9th for observations, 8th for species and 6th for observers--not shabby among the 60+ areas in the running. You can study the stats for all the cities at https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2018 --it’s quite fascinating.

Next, let’s consider our identifiers. After all, without identifications, iNaturalist would just be so many pretty pictures. Big thanks to @tsn who, by following many of us and providing quick and accurate ID’s (and tactful corrections where necessary) in areas far and wide, is sure to reach a big milestone of 100,000 ID’s before the weekend is up.

Thanks also to the iNaturalist staff who keep iNat ticking and always improving. I’ve been amazed at how well the system is working, both on the desktop and the app, under the heavy load it’s bearing this weekend. The presentation of the stats for this weekend’s event is remarkable as well. And biggest thanks of all to @kueda who started all the iNat fun in the first place!

Posted on April 29, 2018 04:10 AM by dbarber